Party Chex Mix: The Ultimate Snack Mix Recipe

Ready for a Snack That Will Disappear in Minutes?

Picture this: a symphony of salty, savory, and slightly sweet flavors combined with a satisfying crunch that keeps you coming back for more. That’s exactly what you get with our Party Chex Mix recipe. This isn’t your average snack; it’s an easy, impressive crowd-pleaser perfect for any gathering (or just a cozy night in)!

Why You’ll Love It

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of Worcestershire, garlic, and onion powders creates an irresistible savory taste.
• Perfect Crunch: The variety of Chex cereals and pretzels offers a delightful mix of textures.
• Super Easy to Make: Just toss, bake, and enjoy – no complicated techniques required.
• Great for Any Occasion: From game day to holidays, this mix is always a hit.
• Completely Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, seeds, or spices to make it your own.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this Party Chex Mix apart is the perfect balance of flavors and the double baking method. Many recipes just toss and bake. But by doing two baking rounds (one with the dry seasonings, and one with the butter mix), the spices meld completely into the snack mix, ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor and a beautiful golden-brown color.

Ingredient List

• 9 cups of Chex cereal (any combination of corn, rice, or wheat)
• 1 cup of pretzel sticks or mini pretzels
• 1 cup of mini bagel chips or other crunchy snack crackers
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce: adds a depth of savory flavor.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder: Enhances the savory profile.
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a very large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzel sticks, and mini bagel chips.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cereal mixture and toss to coat.
4. Spread the coated mix in a single layer on a large baking sheet (or two if necessary).
5. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
6. While the mixture is baking, melt the butter in a small bowl. Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Pour the butter/Worcestershire mixture over the cereal and toss well to coat all the pieces.
8. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the mix is golden brown and crunchy.
9. Remove from the oven and let the mix cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Get creative! Here are some fun add-ins you can mix in once the mix is completely cooled:

• 1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts or mixed nuts
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
• Sprinkle of red pepper flakes or chili powder for a spicy kick

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the second baking step! It’s key to getting the mix extra crunchy and flavorful.
• Stir the mix halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning and avoid burning.
• Use a really big bowl for mixing. This will help you to toss everything evenly.
• Store the cooled mix in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispiness for up to a week.
• For a spicier mix, add a dash of hot sauce to the melted butter mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use different types of cereal? Yes! Feel free to mix and match your favorite Chex varieties or use other similar cereals.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely. It’s great for making ahead of a party, just make sure it’s completely cooled before storing in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Can I add nuts? Definitely. Add nuts such as peanuts, almonds, or pecans, either with the other dry ingredients before baking, or tossed in once the mix is completely cool.
• How do I store leftover Chex mix? Once completely cooled, transfer to an airtight container or ziplock bag and store at room temperature.
• Can I halve this recipe? Yes, easily halve the ingredient amounts to make a smaller batch.

Variations and Customization Options

This recipe is a blank canvas for your favorite flavors! Here are a few fun ideas:

• Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the butter mixture and sprinkle with powdered sugar when cooled.
• Spicy Buffalo: Mix 1 tablespoon of hot sauce and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the melted butter mixture.
• Italian Herb: Add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Ranch Lover: Mix in 2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning before the first bake.

Serving Suggestions

This Party Chex Mix is incredibly versatile! Serve it in a big bowl at your next party, pack it into individual bags for school lunches, or enjoy it as a tasty snack while watching your favorite shows. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift when packaged in cute jars or bags.

Conclusion

Our Party Chex Mix recipe is a simple way to create an irresistibly delicious snack that everyone will love. Its easy prep, customizable flavors, and incredible crunch make it the perfect treat for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a snack that’s sure to become a favorite! Be sure to take some photos of your batch and share it with us, and sign up for our recipe newsletter for more awesome ideas!

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